Only the very wealthy have books - written on vellum or parchment; specially
prepared skins. Illuminated manuscripts decorated with exquisite
miniature pictures in vivid coloured inks.
Only large monasteries and other
religious houses have actual libraries; most books
are produced in the scriptorium, copied painstakingly by the monks.

I like to come in here and be by myself. I sit by the window with the sun coming in over my shoulder and read all my favourite books and poetry.